Significance of Varahamihira
Varahamihira was an influential ancient Indian scholar, astronomer, and mathematician from the Gupta period, recognized for his extensive contributions to astrology and astronomy. He is best known for his works such as the Brihat Jataka and Brihat Samhita, which deal with natural astrology and horoscopy. Varahamihira is linked to various topics in fields like Vastushastra, Ayurveda, and Rasashastra, and is celebrated as one of the nine gems in King Vikramaditya's court. His writings highlight both scientific and literary achievements, solidifying his legacy in Indian history.
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Varahamihira'
Varahamihira, a renowned figure in Hinduism, is celebrated as a skilled astrologer and astronomer from the Gupta period, known for works like Brhajjataka and Brihat-sanghit, contributing significantly to astrology, astronomy, and ancient Indian academic achievements.
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) An ancient Indian astronomer whose lost works are referenced in calculations related to Jupiter.[1] (2) A native of Avanti and the son of Adityadasa, known for his works on astronomy, particularly the Brihat Jataka and the lost Panchasidhantika.[2]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is arguably the greatest authority of classical Indian astrology, who is quoted about ten times, with references to his Brihajjataka.[3]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) A well-known astronomer, credited with a brief prescription for an aphrodisiac, dated traditionally to the first century B.C.[4] (2) An eminent figure known as one of the nine gems of King Vikramaditya's court, and author of Brihat-sanghit.[5]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) A renowned astronomer and scholar linked to Kampilya, highlighting its historical academic achievements.[6]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) An author mentioned in the commentary by Mallinatha.[7]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) An ancient Indian astronomer and mathematician noted for establishing standards in ornamentation, dress, and the proportions of images in art.[8]
The concept of Varahamihira in local and regional sources
Varahamihira, a sixth-century polymath, authored significant texts like the Pancasiddhantika and the Brihatsamhita, enhancing ritual logic and astrology, showcasing his literary skill, and integrating various regional and astronomical concepts.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Varahamihira is the name of an individual who composed verses in different sophisticated metres, showcasing his literary acumen in the process.[9] (2) Varahamihira is mentioned in the text in relation to his Brihatsamhita, which reproduced some of the descriptions from the Gargiyajyotisha, but with the absence of astronomical details related to planetary synodic phenomena.[10] (3) This is the individual who composed a small-sized Ziğ, which he called Pancasiddhantika, indicating the contents of five other works.[11] (4) He contributed to ritual history by sharpening ritual logic, adding specificity to the ritual’s mantric liturgy, and implementing a structural overlay that harmonized the Indradhvaja with the yatra cycle.[12] (5) In the commentaries of Bhattotpala on the Brihatsamhita and the Brihajjataka, the two authoritative works on natural astrology and horoscopy composed by the sixth-century polymath Varahamihira, works attributed to Garga are among those most often cited.[13]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) An ancient scholar who mentioned Samotata in his writings alongside other regions.[14]